NBA writer says Lakers star is overrated, as he isn’t worth a $90 million contract: ‘He’s not elite…’

Even though Austin Reaves went undrafted in 2021, he has still managed to carve out an important role for himself with the Lakers.

Some even believe he’s the best third option in the league, which is no small claim. The Lakers clearly value him, as they put a contract extension on the table this summer.

Reaves turned down a $90m offer, hoping to land an even bigger deal next season. But is he really worth that kind of money? According to Buckley, AR15 falls into the category of most overrated players in the league.

“Life under the Hollywood spotlight has both its perks and its problems. Performing inside of a fishbowl magnifies both strengths and shortcomings, leading to often confusing views of a player’s true valuation.

“In other words, it really isn’t Reaves’ fault he’s on this list, but he’s also benefiting from being perhaps the most talked-about third option in basketball.”

Buckley questioned how much attention Reaves would get if he were putting up similar numbers somewhere else: “How many – if any – headlines would be dedicated to him if he was putting up the same 20.2 points and 5.8 assists on, say, the New Orleans Pelicans instead of the Lakers?”

Buckley then pointed out that Reaves only just exceeded an average player efficiency rating last season.

“Those are good numbers, sure, but they’re not spectacular. For that matter, neither are his career marks in player efficiency rating (15.5).”

Buckley continued: “He is a skilled scorer and a capable secondary playmaker, but he’s not elite in either category. He’s also a limited on-ball defender who doesn’t make plays on that end of the floor.”

NBA analyst labels Austin Reaves as a ‘high-end role player’

Reaves has shown steady improvement since entering the league in 2021, but questions remain about what that means for his next contract.

According to Buckley, he’s not worth the $90 million extension he was offered. The columnist also doesn’t see him as anything more than a high-end role player.

“Add it all up, and you’re looking at an offense-leaning (offense-only?) solid starter or perhaps high-end sixth man,” Buckley wrote. “Yet, you’ll hear talk of him being a star, being untouchable, and potentially soon being paid north of $30 million annually.”

Buckley went on to say that despite only having four years in the league, Reaves is already 27 and may have already hit his peak.

“He might be a high-end role player, but that’s probably where he tops out,” Buckley added. “Because while he may seem young in terms of NBA service (four seasons under his belt), his 27th birthday is already behind him.

“It’s possible we’ve already seen his best, and his best isn’t nearly as good as you’ve probably heard from the loudest, most optimistic portion of his fanbase.”